Calgary Chamber urges constructive collaboration and jurisdictional clarity to support investment certainty

Calgary, Alberta, April 26, 2024 – In light of the recently announced Provincial Priorities Act and the proposed amendments to the Municipal Government Act (MGA) and Local Authorities Election Act (LAEA), the Calgary Chamber of Commerce calls on the provincial government to prioritize regulatory certainty and stability. We urge the province to collaborate with all orders of government to ensure Alberta remains an affordable and attractive destination for talent and investment, acknowledging legislation that introduces ambiguity between orders of government strands investment by introducing uncertainty.

“Investment attraction is key to Alberta’s success as an innovative, productive and diverse economy,” says Deborah Yedlin, President and CEO of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce. “Ensuring Alberta remains an attractive investment environment requires constructive collaboration between all orders of government, not jurisdictional disputes that harm our research ecosystems and investment climate.”

The impact of the Provincial Priorities Act on Alberta’s research ecosystem – which is pivotal to our innovative and entrepreneurial economy – is concerning for the business community, as it creates additional red tape and uncertainty related to funding. The proposed changes may also impact municipalities reliant on federal funding at a time when affordability, including for housing, is at an all-time high.

Amendments to the MGA that allow for the provincial cabinet to remove elected councilors and modify or repeal municipal bylaws introduces instability in municipalities, running counter to businesses’ need for stability and regulatory certainty to make investment decisions. The province should prioritize a stable and productive investment and business environment, rather than blur the jurisdictional relationship between municipal, provincial and federal governments.

We urge the provincial government to focus on legislation that attracts people, jobs, investment and opportunity, consulting key stakeholders on both the Provincial Priorities Act and the proposed amendments to the MGA and LAEA, as these could significantly impact Alberta’s competitiveness, productivity and prosperity. Maintaining Alberta’s competitive advantage requires forward-looking policy, collaboration with all orders of government, and sustainable fiscal stewardship.

ABOUT THE CALGARY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Calgary Chamber of Commerce exists to help businesses reach their potential. As the convenor and catalyst for a vibrant, inclusive and prosperous business community, the Chamber works to build strength and resilience among its members and position Calgary as a magnet for talent, diversification and opportunity. As an independent, non-profit, non-partisan organization founded in 1891, we build on our history to serve and advocate for businesses of all sizes, in all sectors across the city.

MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES

For media inquiries related to the Calgary Chamber, please contact media@calgarychamber.com.